Project Engineer (Water and Wastewater)

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority; Chelsea (MA); On-site; USD 84,000 - 117,000; Full time

Job summary

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) is seeking an Engineering Assistant to support the development and management of water and wastewater projects from planning through construction in Chelsea, MA.

The role requires a civil/sanitary/mechanical/environmental engineering background and at least two years’ experience in water or wastewater facilities. Telework up to 50% may be possible after a waiting period.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in civil, sanitary, mechanical or environmental engineering; 2+ years' water/wastewater facility experience.
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A valid Massachusetts driver’s license.
• Registration as an Engineer-in-Training is preferred.
• A valid Grade II Water Distribution license and/or Grade IV Wastewater license is preferred.
• May telework up to 50% of the work week; a waiting period may apply.

Responsibilities

• Assist in conducting studies to identify modifications to improve process performance and efficiency.
• Support planning, design, construction, start-up and testing for MWRA water and wastewater facilities, pipelines and interceptors.
• Coordinate with communities, government agencies and MWRA departments, providing technical information and assistance.
• Monitor atmospheric hydrogen sulfide odor/corrosion program for MWRA facilities.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in civil, sanitary, mechanical or environmental engineering

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Job description

Are you looking to make a meaningful impact on public health and the environment? Join the MWRA team! We deliver some of the nation's highest-quality drinking water to 3 million residents, restored Boston Harbor, and continue to invest in protecting vital public resources. Be part of a mission-driven organization where your work truly makes a difference in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment.

Summary:

Assists, under supervision of senior staff, in the development and management of water and wastewater projects from planning through construction.

Posting Period: 09/04/2026 - 09/21/2026

Location: Chelsea, MA

Salary: $83,629.26 - $116,808.85 annually; $1608.26 - 2246.32 weekly

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 3:30pm

Key Responsibilities

• Assists in conducting studies of both water and wastewater facilities with the objective of identifying modifications or additions, which would improve or optimize process performance, maintenance or operational efficiencies, or energy efficiencies. Assists in modifications as necessary.
• Supports various engineering projects, including planning, design, construction, start-up and testing for Metro water and wastewater facilities, pipelines and interceptors.
• Participates in project coordination with communities, government agencies and other MWRA departments. Assists with providing technical information, work plans and assistance to other MWRA departments.
• Assists in the monitoring and review of the atmospheric hydrogen sulfide odor/corrosion program for Authority owned interceptors and facilities.
• Assists with condition assessments on equipment for both water and wastewater facilities. Assists with the identification and specification of equipment for future upgrades and replacements to be included in the CEB and CIP process.
• Uses existing Authority software and databases (ex. OSIsoft Process Book/PI, Telog Enterprise, etc.) to assist with the evaluation of facility and system data for assigned post-event investigations, and process control and hydraulic evaluations. Assists with the development of presentations and reports to Managers to detail findings and recommendations.
• Assists in the collection and analysis of operational and system data related to support department initiatives and responsibilities.
• Participates in the management of operation and maintenance service contracts, including preparation of bidding documents and coordination and oversight of work being performed.
• Performs special tasks, projects and other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in civil, sanitary, mechanical or environmental engineering; and Working knowledge of water and/or wastewater engineering as acquired by at least two (2) years of experience in the operation of water and/or wastewater facilities;
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operators license.
• Registration as an Engineer-in-Training is preferred.
• A valid Grade II Water Distribution Operators License and/or Grade IV Wastewater Treatment Operators License is preferred.
• May be eligible to telework up to 50% of the work week; a waiting period may apply.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Familiarity with federal, state and regional environmental regulations related to the planning, design and construction of water and/or wastewater or related systems and facilities preferred.
• Familiarity with computer software packages such as MS Word and Excel.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a project team and to develop and maintain productive working relationships with external parties.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.

Tools and Equipment Used

Office equipment as normally associated with the use of telephone, personal computer including word processing and other software, copy and fax machine.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, including office equipment or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; taste or smell.

There are no requirements that weight be lifted or force be exerted in the performance of this job. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office environment. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and is occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud in field settings, and moderately quiet in office settings.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Works under the general supervision of Senior Staff within the Operations Engineering Group.

Coordinates and supervises technical support, maintenance crews, and contractors as needed.

Other Position Information

PCR: 5811009

Division: Operations

Department: Operations Engineering

Union/Grade: MOSES (Unit 9)/Grade 21

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sex or gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or veteran status.